Golden Beach Travel Guide

Tourist Guide

A person windsurfing on a beach with a clear view of a mountain and buildings in the background.
A person windsurfing on clear blue waters with a coastal landscape in the background.
An aerial view of a coastal area with a sandy beach, clear waters, and a forested island.
A wooden pier extending into calm water with a sunset sky.
A beach with clear blue water and a person standing on the shore.

Relax on one of the most beautiful beaches in Australia and take in views of the picturesque Sunshine Coast Hinterland.

Golden Beach is the most southerly of Caloundra’s beaches and hugs the shores of Pumicestone Passage. The tranquil waters are protected from the ocean by Bribie Island, making it perfect for swimming, boating or fishing.

Follow the coastal path that winds its way to central Caloundra and passes shady playgrounds and picnic areas. Savour freshly caught seafood at one of the many local restaurants or have your own beachside barbecue. Relax on the sandy shores and enjoy the sunshine. Gaze upon the dramatic outlines of the Glass House Mountains silhouetted along the hinterland horizon.

If you are feeling adventurous, there are many watersports to try at Golden Beach. Rent a Jet Ski or take a boat out and go fishing. During the day, join a riverboat tour of Pumicestone Passage or kayak across to Bribie Island. You can also rent a bike and go riding along the well-marked bike track that borders the shoreline. There are many hideaway spots to take a break and have a picnic along the way. Pick up some fresh produce from the Bulcock Street markets that take place in Caloundra’s town centre every Sunday.

Take your pick of accommodation from one of the many beachfront resorts or pet-friendly holiday houses. There are also many camping and caravan sites along the esplanade facing the tranquil ocean.

Golden Beach is only a short distance away from some of the Sunshine Coast’s more novel attractions, including Aussie World, the iconic Ettamogah Pub, the famous Australia Zoo and Underwater World SEA LIFE Mooloolaba. Right next to the Ettamogah Pub is a range of specialty shops selling Australian-made products. Time your visit with the Caloundra Triathlon that takes place in February each year to see the race from the sands of Golden Beach.

Golden Beach is often described as the gateway to the Sunshine Coast and is only a 1-hour drive north of Brisbane. Enjoy the laid-back atmosphere and stunning coastal sights this beach has to offer at any time of the year.


Stay near popular Golden Beach attractions

Activities


Our pick of the best Golden Beach Hotel Deals

Oaks Sunshine Coast Oasis Resort

Oaks Sunshine Coast Oasis Resort

4.5 out of 5
2 Landsborough Parade Golden Beach QLD
The price is NZ$230 per night from 26 July to 27 July
NZ$230
26 July - 27 July
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this luxury aparthotel in Sunshine Coast. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and an outdoor pool. Our guests praise the pool and the helpful staff in their ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (2,762 reviews)
"Great place for families with small kids. Lots for them to do."

Reviewed on 5 July 2026

Oaks Sunshine Coast Oasis Resort
Ramada Resort by Wyndham Golden Beach

Ramada Resort by Wyndham Golden Beach

4 out of 5
75 Esplanade Golden Beach QLD
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is NZ$254 per night from 21 July to 22 July
NZ$254
21 July - 22 July
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this family-friendly aparthotel in Sunshine Coast. Enjoy free parking, a fitness centre and a theme park shuttle (surcharge). Our guests praise the pool ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (1,765 reviews)
"Good value for money as they have put in new elevators,updated the games room,put in a gym ,renovated the bathrooms & painted the building .It is close to shops & an easy couple of minutes drive to Caloundra.All in all i recommend it."

Reviewed on 30 June 2026

Ramada Resort by Wyndham Golden Beach
Moorings Beach Resort

Moorings Beach Resort

3.5 out of 5
88 The Esplanade Golden Beach QLD
Stay at this beach apartment in Sunshine Coast. Enjoy free parking, a garden and a picnic area. Popular attractions Moffat Beach and Caloundra Jet Ski are located ...
9/10 Wonderful! (287 reviews)
"View of the water. Room very comfortable. Easy checkin. Parking very secure."

Reviewed on 11 May 2026

Moorings Beach Resort
Ramada By Wyndham Marcoola Beach

Ramada By Wyndham Marcoola Beach

4 out of 5
923 David Low Way Marcoola QLD
The price is NZ$227 per night from 26 July to 27 July
NZ$227
26 July - 27 July
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this beach hotel in Sunshine Coast. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and a beach locale. Our guests praise the pool and the helpful staff in their reviews. ...
7.8/10 Good! (1,003 reviews)
"Spent two nights here. The location was perfect for what we needed, the hotel facilities are great, and being on the beach was another plus. Our room was a little dated but was very clean and the bed was comfortable. Outside our room had a strange smell in the corridor level 2. but apart from that ..."

Reviewed on 5 July 2026

Ramada By Wyndham Marcoola Beach
Avani Mooloolaba Beach Hotel

Avani Mooloolaba Beach Hotel

4.5 out of 5
10 Brisbane Road Mooloolaba QLD
The price is NZ$461 per night from 20 July to 21 July
NZ$461
20 July - 21 July
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this luxury hotel in Sunshine Coast. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, breakfast (surcharge) and a fitness centre. Popular attractions Mooloolaba Esplanade and Mooloolaba ...
7.2/10 Good! (11 reviews)
"Beautiful new hotel. Sauna had to be booked (inconvenient). Breakfast was very limited for the price. We had chosen the suite with an ocean view, but the bed faced the car park :-(. This was not a great design. Otherwise, a magnificent modern, luxury hotel!"

Reviewed on 6 July 2026

Avani Mooloolaba Beach Hotel
Holiday Inn & Suites Sunshine Coast by IHG

Holiday Inn & Suites Sunshine Coast by IHG

4 out of 5
42 First Avenue and Fairway Drive Maroochydore QLD
The price is NZ$242 per night from 12 July to 13 July
NZ$242
12 July - 13 July
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this hotel in Sunshine Coast. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, breakfast (surcharge) and a 24-hour fitness centre. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (1,001 reviews)
"Second time staying at this hotel, and it was again an excellent experience. Rooms feel fresh and new still, very clean and have a nice warm feel. The location is very handy to the beach, nice cafes and Sunshine Plaza. It’s also perfect for people who just need a comfortable place to sleep rather ..."

Reviewed on 5 July 2026

Holiday Inn & Suites Sunshine Coast by IHG
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Our guide on where to stay in Golden Beach

Find the best Golden Beach areas for the activities you enjoy most. Learn more about Golden Beach
Learn more about Golden Beach

Noosa Heads

A noteworthy feature of Noosa Heads is its stunning beaches. While you're in town, be sure to stop and check out Hastings Street and Noosa National Park.

Mooloolaba

A noteworthy feature of Mooloolaba is its stunning beaches. While you're in town, be sure to stop and check out The Wharf Mooloolaba and Mooloolaba Esplanade.

Caloundra

Caloundra is known for its stunning beaches, and with sights like Caloundra Events Center and Bulcock Beach, you won't get bored spending a day wandering around this part of Sunshine Coast.

Maroochydore

Maroochydore is known for its beaches, and you can plan a trip to Maroochydore Beach and Sunshine Plaza while you're in town.

Noosaville

Noosaville is known for its stunning river views, and you can see some sights area like Lake Weyba and Noosa National Park.



Golden Beach Travel Guide

Choose two or more items and save on your trip:

Explore a world of travel with Expedia